Gilpin Rec Center will be closed Thanksgiving week New local attraction maps, historic signs eyed for visitors

By Don Ireland Senior Reporter

Gilpin County is planning to unveil a new “Heritage Tourism Route” program by next spring, hoping to give the thousands of annual county tourists a better insight into the attractions and historic importance of the area.

Four large roadside signs are also being considered for placement around the county.

Gilpin Community Center will be closed for repairs and Thanksgiving from Monday, Nov. 20, through Saturday, Nov. 25.

Construction workers in the 20-year-old rec center building, necessitating the closure. The workers in the pottery studio-wet craft room last week and are replacing the one in the multi-purpose community room this week.

In September, the Gilpin County commissioners approved a $241,608 contract with SGLC Consulting of Edwards, which will soon be doing work in the Kids Camp Room, all locker rooms and restrooms. Ryan Keenan, the county’s facilities manager, told the commissioners this spring that more than $20 million is needed for capital-repair projects at county buildings in the next few years. part of $889,895 that was set aside for capital projects by the commissioners. The county also is considering a $640,000 project that will replace low roof sections at the rec center.

During the next few weeks – including the week of the closure – they will betions with a new covering that has the look of wood. For daily updates, check the Gilpin Community Center’s Facebook page.

Gilpin’s commissioners also approved replacing this year.

Sam Bower, Gilpin County’s administrative analyst, and Jamie Boyle, grants manager, unveiled the proposed program to the Gilpin Board of County Commissioners during their workshop session on Tuesday (Nov. 7) at the Gilpin Rec Center.

Free tourist maps featuring the county’s two gaming cities, local businesses, recreation areas and other historic attractions will be part of the program. In total, the maps will spotlight 65 points of interest in various parts of the county, according to Bower. The maps will contain a QR code, which can provide web information in English or Spanish. Once printed, the maps will buildings, visitor centers and selected businesses around Gilpin County.

The markers will give information about the resort areas of northern Gilpin County, including the Lincoln Hills area – a historic summer getaway for AfricanAmericans built 100 years ago – and the former “redlight railroad stop district” that was later converted into a Christian campground.

A second sign will be placed in Rollinsville that speaks to the community’s history and information area west of that section of the county. The third sign, expected to be placed along Highway 119 near the Gilpin school complex, will give information about the Missouri Lakes Submarine, which sank on its inaugural voyage in Missouri Lakes a century ago. It was later retrieved and now has a home in the Gilpin History Museum in Central City.

The fourth sign, scheduled for placement in the south-

GOP meets west section of Gilpin, will talk about Virginia Canyon Road – also known as “Oh My God Road” because of itstween “ghost town” Russell Gulch and Idaho Springs.

Because of Election Day, Gilpin County Republic meeting has moved its meeting date. It will be held at 7 tonight (Thursday) at the Timberline Fire Protection District’s Fritz Peak Observatory, 19126 Highway 119. The session will include a meeting and door prizes.

The road also is expected to bear a photo of President Ulysses S. Grant, who traveled the road while visiting the Central City area in the late 1800s.

Bower said Dr. David Forsyth of the Gilpin Historical Society provided historical information for the forthcoming program.

Boyle said Gilpin County allocated $7,000 for the program in the 2023 budget, and another $20,000 will come from a grant provided by the Colorado Tourism Boyle hope the new signs will be installed before April 23, 2024, to secure the CTO funding.

Commissioner Sandy Hollingworth said of the tourism-information plan, “I’m so excited about this. I really commend you for your work on this.

Briefs

categories will be: 10 and under, 11-18, 19 to 39 and 40-plus. There will be prizes for winners in the two children’s categories. There is a $20 registration fee for those 11 and older, which will include a free T-shirt. For information, call (303) 582-1453.

Pickleball fundraiser

A pickleball tournament early childcare center will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11, starting at 10 a.m. in the Gilpin Community Center. Men’s, women’s and mixed-doubles teams can register in advance for $40 each by visiting the rec center’s website or by calling (303) 582-1453.

Veterans Day BBQ

A Veterans Day barbecue will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Gilpin Community Center. Food and service will be provided by the Gilpin Archwood 4-H club in the multi-purpose room. For information, call (303) 582-1453.

Turkey Day fun run

The “Turkey Trot” family fun run is scheduled for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Gilpin Community Center. There will be prizes for the best dressed and fastest and slowest runners who walk or run the 5K trail. The age

Dems meet Gilpin County Democratic Committee will hold its monthly meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Gilpin County Public Library. For information, visit www. gilpincountydems.org.

Bad weed board needed

Gilpin County is looking for members to serve on the Noxious Weed Advisory Board. Preference is given to those who own 40 acres acreage is required to serve on the board. Anyone interested in serving can contact Jennifer Cook, CSU Extension Director for Gilpin County, at (303) 582-9106.

Tommyknockers event

Vendors are being sought for the 25th annual Tommyknockers holiday event from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in Central City’s historic Teller House. For information, call (303) 582-5919 or (303) 582-5209.